Media Releases

This page details the Media Releases that have been recently issued by ITOC:

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Inbound operators meeting tourism challenges (Current)
GST increase takes shine off tourism marketing boost
GST increase will penalise inbound tour operators
Inbound tourism operators urge caution on GST increase
Travel and tourism associations support Trans Tasman border changes
Distinction Luxmore Hotel wins ITOC Operator of the Year Award
2010 ITOC conference to be held in Marlborough
Prime Minister delivers GST tax certainty to tourism operators
ITOC Full Member Tour Operators Turn 100% Qualmark in Time for TRENZ
Inbound tourism operators wary of possible increase in GST
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Tourism operators release 2001 written agreements with IRD
Tourism operators delighted with National Party commitment to listen to industry concerns on $30m GST rort
Tourism operators expect support from O'Connor over $30m GST rort
Inbound tour operators support call for next Government to get serious about tourism
Tourism Operators Squeezed by Road User Charge Increase
ITOC Joins PATA to Provide Global Perspective for Members
New Board Members for ITOC
ITOC Backs Tourism Strategy
ITOC Launches New Brand

Tourism Operators Squeezed by Road User Charge Increase
Date: 3 July 2008

Media Release - issued 3 July 2008 

Tourism Operators Squeezed by Road User Charge Increase  

Tourism operators are feeling the pinch as a result of the Government’s shock announcement of an immediate increase in Road User Charges earlier this week. 

Paul Yeo, Chief Executive of the Inbound Tour Operators Association says “many of our members who operate coaches and diesel fuelled campervans have been directly affected and have no way to recover these costs. We're selling tours and packaged travel arrangements to overseas visitors and set our prices up to two years in advance, so any price increases like this simply come off our bottom line and hurt immensely.  

It's yet another example of the Government making knee jerk decisions without thinking or caring about the consequences and shows their usual disregard for an industry that is already being pummelled by increasing costs."  

The move is also contrary to Government policy to support the environment as it will further penalise tourists using coach transport.  Already the industry is faced with the Department of Conservation charging coach passengers for access to National Parks whereas tourists using any other form of transport can continue to access the parks for free. 

"Seeing by coach has the least impact on the environment and this decision just increases the cost providing yet another reason not to consider this option." 

The Government receives nearly half a billion dollars in revenue via taxes from tourism every year and tourism earns more foreign exchange for the country than any other industry. 

"Despite the value we generate it remains a fragile industry made up of small operators. They're a pretty resilient lot and can usually ride out the odd pricing change that comes out of the blue, like any good business. However we seem to be on the receiving end of a continuing set of poorly thought through Government decisions which are making many of our members doubt their future viability," said Mr Yeo.

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

Paul Yeo 
Chief Executive 
ITOC 
DDI 04 495 0813 
Mob: 027 255 2549  

The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market tourism products and services internationally.

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